Window device for garment bags and like containers



W. R. KOHL July 3, 1951 WINDOW DEVICE FOR GARMENT BAGS ANDLIKE CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 8, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENToR. WMM/7a Z/o, BY @www @M W. R. KOHL July 3, 1951 WINDOW DEVICE FOR GARMENT BAGS AND LIKE CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 8, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. BY Wd/wz E fa/ZZ,

W. R. KOHL July 3, 1951 WINDOW DEVICE FOR GARMENT BAGS AND LIKE CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 8, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 atented July 3, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WINDOW DEVICE FOR GARMENT BAGS AND LIKE CONTAINERS This invention pertains to an improved inspection window device, particularly devised for application to a garment storage bag, although also well adapted for application to containers of other sorts.

It is a particular object of the invention to provide a simplified window device of the above type having improved provisions to eifect a lapped, light-proof sealing closure of a window thereof, thereby to prevent fading of garments stored in a garment bag to which the device is applied.

Another object is to provide a device of the foregoing character, which is readily and quickly ,applied to the aforesaid garment bags or related types of containers and which affords an inspection window and marginally overlapping closure adapted to be latched in closing and light-sealing relation to the window, yet readily withdrawable manually for inspection of the contents of the container.

The foregoing statements are indicative in a general way of the nature of the invention, but other and more specific objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a full understanding of the construction and operation of the device.

Various embodiments of the invention are presented herein for purpose of exemplication, and it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible of incorporation in still other modified forms coming equally within the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a face view of a garment storage bag of a well known type having the window device of the present invention applied thereto;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the device itself, in open, fiat condition, prior to folding and adhesively aiixing the same to the bag or like container;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary face view of the window device as applied to the garment bag;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section on a line corresponding to line 4 4 of Fig. 3, illustrating in dotted line the manner of swinging the closure element of the device outwardly for inspection of the contents of the container;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view generally similar to Fig. 3, illustrating a modified adaptation of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a View similar to Fig. 2, illustrating the window device of Fig. 5 in its flat condition prior to folding and affixing the same to the container;

9 Claims. (Cl. 20G-45.31)

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view in section on line 1 7 of Fig. 5, illustrating in dotted line the manner of swinging the closure element of the device outwardly for inspection of the contents of the container;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view similar to Figs. 3 and 5, illustrating a still further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a bottom plan view of the window device of Fig. 8, illustrating the component parts thereof in assembled relation; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view on a line corresponding to line lll-l0 of Fig. 8, the portion thereof in dotted line indicating the manner of swinging the closure element outwardly.

This invention pertains to improvements in an inspection window device or window shield, in a preferred adaptation thereof applied to a con-v ventional garment storage bag. Similar structures are illustrated and described in my Patent No. 2,383,132, of August 21, 1945, and in my copending application Serial No. 691,117, flled August 16, 1946, now Patent No. 2,479,627, of August 23, 1949.

In particular, the present improvements deal with a two-ply transparent window and closure device superposed over an opening in the garment bag or like container, including a novel swngable closure flap adapted to be disposed in laterally overlapping relation to the margins of said opening. This eliminates possibility of light leakage through the slit in the device which outline the edges of the flap and the opening in the container, an objectionable feature in previous devices of this character. Moreover, the invention affords a novel means for latching said closure ap in place during storage, yet enabling ready unlatching thereof for outward swinging movement if it is desired to view the contents of the container through the window of the device. A double ply transparent window sheet insures against entry of moths or dust into the container, and this protection is had even though one of the transparent sheets should become ruptured.

Referring to the drawings, and in particular to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, the reference numeral l0 generally designates a container to which the' device of the invention is applied, being illustrated as a standard paper garment storage bag of which the structural details are so familiar as not to require further explanation. As illustrated in Fig. 4, this container is provided with a viewing opening I l in the front wall thereof, over which the present window device, generally des--v 3 ignated by the reference numeral I2 is superposed.

This device is fabricated from a flexible fiber or paper board blank I3 of the outline illustrated in Fig. 2, which is subdivided by a medial transverse crease or fold line I4 into outer and inner sections I5, I6, respectively. These are of generally rectangular shape, the former being of substantially greater longitudinal and lateral dimensions than the latter. The sections I5, I6 have the respective opposite, arcuate end margins Il, I8 of which the former is interrupted by a projecting, dovetail-shaped detent or holding tab I9, for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The inner section I6 is provided with a window opening 20 in an outline generally corresponding to, but of smaller size than that of said section, while the outer section I is provided with aV supstantially U-shaped slit 2| which has rounded, in-turned extremities 22.Y At its mid-point, slit 2| is extended outwardly7 at 23 to form a latching tab 24. Slit 2| thereby defines in the section I5 of blank I3 a closure member or panel 25 provided with the latching tab 24 at its free, outwardly swingable marginal extremity, said closure member being of somewhat larger size than, but of the same general shape as,` the opening 2|) of the other section I6. The window aperture in the inner garment bag abutting section I6 of the device lis so located relative to the closure panel 25 Vin the section I5 that, when the device is folded on itself along transverse line I4, the aperture is substantially overlapped laterally and longitudinally by the panel.

The device is completed by a sheet or sheets of transparent material such as cellophane, said sheet being designated by the reference numeral 26. Its outline generally corresponds to the outline of the device I2 but is of somewhat smaller size, so as to afford a marginal area 2'1, at least the section I5, for a purpose to be described. Transparent sheet 26 is adhesively secured to the blank I3 to extend across the areas in which opening 20 and closure panel 25 are located, but is not adhered to the latter. It will be apparent that two separate window sheets, one for each of sections I5, I6, could equally well be employed and still accomplish the purposes o f the present invention. In fact, a single sheet over the opening 20 would serve, but the double ply transparent window element is preferred, since opening Il is sealed even if one window ply is broken.

In applying the device to the container, it is rst folded on line I4 and in this condition the surface of the section I6 opposite the transparent window sheet 26 is adhesively secured to the face of the bag I0, with opening 2|]l in aligned relation to the opening II of the bag, the fold line I4 being adjacent the top of said opening. A suitable cement or adhesive is, or has been, applied to the marginal area 21 of section I5 which overlaps the window sheet, and said area is then adhesively secured to the body of the container I6. The holding tab I6 is then reversely folded back onto the exposed surface of section I5 and adhesively secured thereto. This may of course be done prior to application of the device to the bag. In any event, when so folded, the tab I9 will vertically overhang the slit 23 and the latching tab 24 to provide a recess for the accommodation of the latter.

As illustrated in solid line in Fig. 3, the holding tab I9 normally acts to restrain the tab 24 from outward swinging from its normal closing position. However, the latching action is not so positive asto prevent removal of tab 24 if desired and outward swinging of the closure panel 25, and for this purpose the tab 24 carries an arcuate slit 28 defining a nger piece 29 adapted to be grasped by the user as an aid in manipulating said closure member. The interior of container I0 is then visible through the opening 26 in inner section I6 of the device and the window opening II of the container. When it is desired to restore the closure panel, it is only necessary to 'insert the end of the latching tab 24. in the holding recess behind tab I9, whereupon said panel is effectively restrained against advertent displacement.

I illustrate in dotted lines in Fig. 4 the position of the nger piece 29 when deflected outwardly forgrasping and the manner of swinging panel 25 outwardly, as described above.

In Figs. 5, 6 and '7 a somewhat modied adaptation of the invention is illustrated, which is, however, fundamentally similar to the embodiments of Figs. 1 to ll;l hence similar parts are designated by similar reference numerals. I-Iere the latching tab I8 is omitted and in substitution therefor an aperture 36 is punched in section I5 immediately adjoining the slit 2-3 which outlines tab 24.. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the parts. are folded and applied to the container I6 in a manner identical to that described in connection with the first embodiment. The aperture 30 affords access for theusers fingernail in initially swinging the panel 2,5 outwardly, in the fashion illustrated in Fig. 7.

A still further modified form of the invention is shown in Figs. 8, 9 and l0. In this embodiment the. device is o-f two-part construction, comprising an inner member 3| having rounded corners and end margins, but still generally rectangular in shape, which is died out to provide an opening 32 centrally thereof, saidA opening conforming in outline to the opening IVII in the garment bag. Said member or section also has an arcuate slit 33 in outwardly spaced relation to the marginV of opening 32 at one end ofthe latter; at the opposite side of said opening the member 3| is.

provided with an aperture 34 one side 35 of which parallels a slit 36 in the member in such manner as to dene a flexible holding or retaining strap 3l immediately adjacentk the aperture 34. A transparent window sheet 3'8is adhesively secured to section 3| over opening 32.

The device is completed yby a separate closure panel or ap 39 of rectangular shape, having side notches i6 which dene an end pivoting tongue 4I. The oppositel margin of the panel 35 carries a laterally projecting latching.- tab 42.

In assembling the last described device, the tongue 4I of panel 39v is inserted through slit 33 of section 3| with the said panel externally overlying section 3| and laterally overlapping the margins of the window opening 32 in the latter. The shoulder notches llill are placed in engagement with the ends of the slitA 33 to provide a pivotal engagement of the panel relative to section 3|. The rear surface ofA said section is then given a coating of adhesive and is secured to the container I6 in surrounding relation to. opening'. therein. This disposes-A the tongue 4| between the section 3| and the body of4 container. The closure panel 39 is secured in place over openings 32 and i-l by inserting the tab 42 inwardly into the aperture 34 and threading underneath the locking strap' 31, in. the manner clearly illussacszsaoog` trated in Fig. 10. Tab 42 may be removed and replaced as many times as are desired, and when in place serves to retain panel 39 in effective, laterally overhanging and light-sealing relation to the aligned openings in section 3l and bag l0.

I claim: f

, 1. In combination with a container having an apertured wall, a window device` secured to said y wall over the aperture thereof, comprising a pair of integrally and hingedly connected, superposed sections, one of which has an opening therein inwardly of its marginal edges in register with the Wall aperture and the other of which is provided with a U-shaped slit defining a closure ap hinged between the ends of the slit, said flap being of an area substantially larger than the area of said opening to laterally overlap and lightseal said opening in a closed position of the ap, said iiap being swingable outwardly about the hinge thereof to position lor viewing through said opening, means integral with the last named section for latching the flap in said first named position, and a transparent window sheet adhesively secured to one of said sections in covering relation to said opening.

2. In combination with a container having an apertured wall, a window device secured to said wall over the aperture thereof, comprising a pair of integrally and hingedly connected, superposed sections, one of which has an opening therein inwardly of its marginal edges in register with the Wall aperture and the other of which is provided with a U-shaped slit dening a closure ap hinged between the ends of the slit, said flap being of an area substantially larger than the area of said opening to laterally overlap and light-seal said opening in a closed position of the flap, said flap being swingable outwardly about the hinge thereof to position for viewing through said opening, and being provided with a terminal nger piece adjacent the free edge thereof, means integral with the last nam-ed section coacting with said linger piece in latching the flap in said rst named position, and a transparent window sheet adhesively secured to one of said sections in covering relation to said opening.

3. In combination with a container having an apertured wall, a window device secured to said wall over the aperture thereof, comprising a pair of separate, integrally and hingedly connected, superposed sections, one of which is adhesively secured to said wall and has an opening cut therein inwardly of its marginal edges in register with the wall aperture, the other of Which affords a swingable closure flap, said iiap being of an area substantially larger than the area of said opening to laterally overlap and light-seal said opening and being swingalole outwardly about the hinged connection thereof for viewing through said opening, and a transparent window sheet secured to one of said sections in covering relation to said opening.

4. In combination with a container having an apertured wall, a window device secured to said wall over the aperture thereof, comprising a pair of integrally and hingedly connected, superposed Sections, one of which is adhesively secured to said wall and has an opening cut therein inwardly of its marginal edges in register with the Wall aperture, the other of which affords a swingable closure ap, said iiap being of an area substantially larger than the area of said opening to laterally overlap and light-seal said opening and being swingable outwardly about the hinged connection thereof for viewing through said opening,

ai terminal finger piece on said flap adjacent the 'lfof separate, integrally and hingedly connected,

superposed sections, one of which is adhesively secured to said wall and has an opening cut therein inwardly of its marginal edges in register with thev wall aperture, the other of which affords mia swingable closure flap, said ap being of an area substantially larger than the area of said opening to laterally overlap and light-seal said opening and being swingable outwardly about the hinged connection thereof for viewing through said opening, a terminal nger piece on said flap adjacent the free edge thereof, means integral with the other section coacting with said finger piece to latch the ap in sealing position, and a transparent window sheet secured to one of said sections in covering relation to said openling.

6. A Window device for a container of the type having an apertured Wall, comprising a pair of integrally and hingedly connected, inner and outer superposed sections having aligned viewing openings positionable in register with the aperture of said container wall in the operative position of said sections, said outer section having a flap connected thereto which is of substantially larger area than the opening in said inner section and is positioned in overlapping relation to the margin of said last named opening, said flap being shiftable to a position in spaced relation to said openings, and a single I* transparent window sheet adhesively secured to both of said sections in covering relation to the respective openings therein.

7. A window device for a container of the type having an apertured wall, comprising a section having a window opening therein positionable in register With the aperture of said container Wall and a further section including a closure ap in integrally hinged superposed relation to said first nam-ed section, which ap is of substantially larger area than said opening and is swingable into and out of position overlapping the margin of said opening, and means integral with said further section for securing said flap in said overlapping relation to said opening.

8. A window device for a container of the type having an apertured wall, comprising a pair of integrally and hingedly connected, inner and outer superposed sections having aligned viewing openings positionable in register with the aperture of said container wall in the operative position of said sections, said outer section having a iiap integrally connected thereto which is of substantially larger area than the opening in said inner section and is positioned in overlapping relation to the margin of said last named opening, said flap being shiftable to a position in spaced relation to said openings, transparent window means adhesively secured to at least one of said sections in covering relation to the opening therein, and a tab integral with one of said sections and coacting therewith to provide a detent engageable with said flap to latch the latter in said overlapping relation.

9. A window device for a container of the type having an apertured wall, comprising a pair of amiamo@ -integrally.I Aand hingedly. connected, inner and:

outer super-posed sections having ali'gnedf viewing openings positionableinA register with the aperture of saidA container wall inthe operative position of'Vv said sections, said: outer section have ing a ap integrally connected`Y thereto which is of substantially' larger area than theA opening in spective openingsv therein, and a tab; integrallyv connected. to. the margin of one of said sections andfoldable to: overlying secured: relation thereto; said' tarifI constituting a detent engagablewith said' flap' t'o latch ther latter in'A saidl over lapping relation.

WILLIAM- R. KOHL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this: patent:

UNITED STATES. PATENTS.

Number Name Date 1,944,621 Van Atta Jan. 23,1934 2,035,218- Bloom Mar. 24, 1936 21254545 Roberts Sept. 2, 1941- 15 2,329,620? Johnson Sept. 14, 19435 

